Spring-loaded, unfolding-display mobile electronic device

Abstract

A spring-loaded, unfolding-display mobile electronic device enables a display size to be multiplied, for example three-fold. The expanded display is well-suited for viewing of video content, access to which will become more ubiquitous with the adoption of 5G cellular service. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device is self-unfolding. Gas springs ( 101 A, 101 B) may be used that provide desirable damping and locking features. The mobile electronic device may be held face-down and the sides double-pushed together ( 603 ). Springs unlock and the folding display self-unfolds ( 605 ). In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held face-down ( 703 ) and electronically unlocks the springs for self-unfolding.

1 . A self-unfolding mobile electronic device, comprising:
 a main body;   a folding display that, in a folded state, wraps around the main body to overlap the back of the main body;   an assembly comprising a screen extension and a hinge mechanism; and   at least one spring mechanism having a damping feature and a locking feature;   wherein, during self-unfolding, a locking feature of the spring mechanism is released, causing motion of the screen extension such that display size is increased.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one spring mechanism comprises a gas spring. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the locking feature of the spring mechanism is manually controlled. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the locking feature of the spring mechanism is electronically controlled. 
     
     
         5 . A mobile electronic device comprising:
 a main body housing a main processor;   a display extension member;   a hinge mechanism coupled to the first display extension member and the main body; and   a flexible display coupled to the main body and the display extension member;   wherein screen extension member is configured to:   in a folded state, overlap the main body at a backside of the main body with a display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and   in an unfolded state, support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state; and   wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a spring-action member and is configured to, during unfolding, move outwardly away from a side of the main body to take up slack of the flexible display created during unfolding.   
     
     
         6 . A mobile electronic device comprising:
 a main body housing a main processor;   a first display extension member;   a first hinge mechanism coupled to the first display extension member and the main body;   a second display extension member;   a second hinge mechanism coupled to the second display extension member and the main body; and   a flexible display coupled to the main body, the first display extension member and the second display extension member;   wherein the first and second screen extension members are configured to:   in a folded state, overlap at a backside of the main body with a display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and   in an unfolded state, support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state; and   wherein the first and second hinge mechanisms each comprise a spring-action member and are configured to, during unfolding, move outwardly away from respective sides of the main body to take up slack of the flexible display created during unfolding.   
     
     
         7 . A method of expanding the display of a mobile electronic device comprising a main body, a display that folds and unfolds, and a screen extension, the method comprising:
 a user:   holding the mobile electronic device face down; and   performing a manual action on the device to initiate unfolding of the display; and   in response to the manual action, a spring causing the screen extension to unfold and extend away from an edge of the main body.   
     
     
         7 .- 14 . (canceled)